Mediterranean French Onion Soup Burgers
This recipe combines the deep, savory flavors of French onion soup with the comfort of a juicy burger, all with a Mediterranean flair. Sweet caramelized onions, fresh thyme, and a splash of broth or wine create a rich topping, while a perfectly seasoned beef patty provides the hearty base. Layered on a soft bun with melty cheese, it’s indulgent yet rustic—a crowd-pleasing twist on a classic bistro favorite.
Total Time: 45–55 minutes
Servings: 4 burgers
Ingredients
For the Caramelized Onions:
2 tbsp olive oil
2 large onions, thinly sliced
1 tsp sugar (optional, helps caramelization)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
¼ cup beef broth or stock (or red wine/sherry)
Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Burgers:
1 ½ lbs ground beef (80% lean works best)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
1 tbsp onion soup mix (optional, for a shortcut flavor boost)
For Assembly:
4 hamburger buns (brioche, ciabatta, or French bread rolls)
4 slices Swiss or Gruyère cheese (or your choice)
Mayonnaise or other desired condiments
Instructions
Caramelize the Onions:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and soft (about 20–25 minutes).
Sprinkle with sugar (if using) to help them caramelize.
Add garlic and thyme; cook 1–2 minutes.
Deglaze the pan with beef broth, stock, or wine, scraping up browned bits. Simmer until liquid is mostly absorbed. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the Burgers:
In a bowl, gently mix ground beef with salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and onion soup mix (if using). Don’t overwork the meat.
Form into 4 patties, slightly larger than the buns since they’ll shrink during cooking.
Cook the Patties:
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Cook burgers 4–5 minutes per side, or until desired doneness.
In the last minute, top each patty with a slice of cheese and cover with a lid to melt.
Assemble the Burgers:
Toast buns lightly, if desired.
Spread mayonnaise or your chosen condiment on the bottom bun.
Place the cheesy burger patty on top.
Pile on a generous amount of caramelized onions.
Add the top bun and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
Cheese Options: Try halloumi, Kasseri, or feta crumbles for a Mediterranean twist instead of Swiss or Gruyère.
Buns: Swap brioche for ciabatta, focaccia, or rustic French bread for extra texture and flavor.
Add Veggies: Top with roasted red peppers, arugula, or grilled eggplant for a fresh Mediterranean flair.
Olive Touch: Add sliced Kalamata olives or an olive tapenade spread for a salty, briny contrast.
Garlic Aioli: Replace plain mayo with garlic-lemon aioli or tzatziki for a creamy, tangy sauce.
Lean Option: Use ground turkey, chicken, or lamb instead of beef for a lighter or more Mediterranean-style burger.
Extra Depth: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar along with the broth or wine when caramelizing the onions for extra richness.
Make It Open-Faced: Serve on toasted bread slices topped with the patty, onions, and cheese—more like a French onion melt.
Q&A
Q: Can I make the caramelized onions ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare them 2–3 days in advance. Store in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.
Q: What’s the best cheese for this recipe?
A: Traditional choices are Swiss or Gruyère, but Mediterranean options like feta, Kasseri, or halloumi also work beautifully.
Q: Can I make these burgers without beef?
A: Absolutely. Ground lamb or turkey makes a tasty Mediterranean variation. For a vegetarian version, try a mushroom or lentil patty.
Q: Do I need to use wine for the onions?
A: No, beef broth works just fine. But if you want extra richness, a splash of red wine or sherry deepens the flavor.
Q: How do I keep the patties juicy?
A: Don’t overwork the meat when forming patties, and let them rest for a couple of minutes after cooking before assembling.
Nutrition
(per burger with onions, cheese, and bun, approx.)
Calories: 540–600
Protein: 35–40 g
Carbohydrates: 35–40 g
Fiber: 2–3 g
Sugars: 7–9 g
Fat: 28–32 g
Saturated Fat: 11–13 g
Sodium: 700–850 mg
(Values vary depending on cheese, bun choice, and condiments.)
Conclusion
Mediterranean French Onion Soup Burgers take everything you love about the classic bistro soup—sweet caramelized onions, thyme, and melty cheese—and pack it into a hearty handheld meal. Juicy beef patties pair beautifully with the rich onions, while Mediterranean additions like olive oil, feta, or roasted peppers give the burger a unique twist. They’re comforting, flavorful, and perfect for an elevated weeknight dinner or casual gathering.